Malaysia: Groups welcome timely urban farming guideline
“Under the LA 21 programme, we help them choose the site, provide training in capacity building, teach them how to operate as a social enterprise and assess their projects biannually,” he explained.
By Vijenthi Nair
The Star
Sept 17, 2021
Excerpt:
“Many started gardens on illegal sites, grew unsuitable plants and had poor knowledge of garden tools and uses.
“That was when the idea for UCFP first came about,” she said.
Rotina said the main objective of the policy was to develop urban community farms in an organised, systematic and sustainable manner in urban areas.
“In this community garden policy, guidelines are also provided for the community to carry out urban gardening activities.
“The policy touches on suitable farming areas, the processes of obtaining permission from the landowner and local authority, and includes advice on must-have elements of an urban farm such as boundaries between crops, compost site, crop rotation practices, watering methods and maintenance.
“Individuals wanting to grow vegetables or fruits in their house compounds need not seek any permission from the authorities.
“However, individuals or groups wanting to start a garden in a common area or any available space belonging to others, must seek the proper approvals.
“This is to avoid instances of people taking over spaces in prohibited areas such as recreational sites and children’s playgrounds.
“The policy also touches on the type of crops suitable for urban gardens, among which are eggplant, lemongrass, carrot, cucumber and kale,” she elaborated.
Rotina said Housing and Local Government Ministry hoped that the policy would increase gardening activities in urban areas in a more systematic and tidy manner, which in turn would increase social integration among the urban community.
